Over the summer, Rage Against the Machine made their long-awaited return to the stage after their reunion tour was postponed not once, not twice, but three times due to the pandemic. The rap-metal band's performances would've been triumphant no matter what, but they were particularly incredible due to the fact that singer Zack de la Rocha severely injured his leg during the band's second show back on July 11th, but powered through the rest of the North American run, putting on a fiery show while seated for the rest of the summer.
Unfortunately, the injury has proved too serious for de la Rocha to continue powering through it. As a result, after canceling their fall 2022 European run so the singer can rest and attend physical therapy, Rage Against the Machine have made the painful decision to cancel the entirety of their 2023 North American tour, as well.
"It's been almost three months since Chicago, and I still look down at my leg in disbelief," de la Rocha wrote in one of the band's Public Service Announcements. "Two years of waiting through the pandemic, hoping we would have an opening to be a band again and continue the work we started 30 some odd years ago. Rehearsing, training, reconciling, working our way back to form.
"Then one and a half shows into it and my tendon tears. Felt like a sick joke the universe played on me. As I write this I remind myself it's just bad circumstance. Just a fucked up moment.
"Unfortunately it is a moment that requires a lot of work and healing. I have a severe tear in my left Achilles tendon and only 8% of my tendon was left intact. And even that portion was severely compromised.
"It's not simply a question of being able to perform again, but extends to basic functionality going forward. That's why I've made the painful and difficult decision to cancel the remaining shows on our 2023 North American leg.
"I hate canceling shows. I hate disappointing our fans. You have all waited so patiently to see us and that is never lost on me. I never take that for granted. For you I have the ultimate gratitude and respect.
"To my brothers Tim, Brad and Tom; to El P, Killer Mike, Trackstar and the whole RTJ crew; to everyone on our production team: techs, cooks, drivers, assistants, security squad, to anyone and everyone who made the shows thus far possible, al my love and respect. I hope to see you very soon."
See the full message below for details on refunds.
North American 2023 Rage tour CANCELED pic.twitter.com/ILmTGtAulX
— Rage Against The Machine (@RATMofficial) October 4, 2022
